Traveller’s diarrhoea: Symptoms and prevention

What is traveller’s diarrhoea?

Traveller’s diarrhoea is diarrhoea that develops during, or shortly after, visiting a place where the climate or sanitary practices differ from yours at home. It can cause you to pass looser, watery, or more frequent stool than normal.

While most people will get diarrhoea at some point in the life, and it‘s usually nothing to worry about, it can be distressing and unpleasant – especially when travelling abroad.

What causes traveller’s diarrhoea?

Here are some common causes of traveller’s diarrhoea:

Different food standards

Traveller’s diarrhoea typically affects people who are travelling from a developed country to a developing country where sanitation and hygiene measures do not meet the same standards.

Contamination

Traveller’s diarrhoea can also be caused by eating or drinking contaminated food and drinks. Touching your mouth with contaminated hands can also cause it.

Changes to your diet

When travelling abroad, sampling different cuisine allows you to get a real tase of the local culture. But changing the type of food and drink you’re used to has the potential to cause a variety of symptoms, including excess gas, stomach upset, and traveller’s diarrhoea.

Stress

Travelling can be stressful – especially when things don’t go to plan. Stress (and even excitement) can lead to issues such as stomach-ache and nausea. The intensity of these emotions can send our body into immediate gastrointestinal distress, resulting in diarrhoea.

What are the symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea?

As its name would suggest, diarrhoea is the main symptom of traveller’s diarrhoea. However, other symptoms to watch out for include:

• Stomach cramps

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fever

Travel diarrhoea symptoms are usually mild for most people and typically last between three to four days. However, in some cases, symptoms may persist for longer. Symptoms may also be more severe in the very young, the elderly, and those with additional health conditions.

When should I see a doctor about traveller’s diarrhoea?

Most people experiencing mild cases of traveller’s diarrhoea can manage their symptoms by staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest. Symptoms usually clear up on their own within a few days, without the need for treatment. That said, over the counter (OTC) medications – such as those containing loperamide – can help. For example, IMODIUM^® Dual Action Tablets work within 1 hour to help relieve diarrhoea and ease the uncomfortable symptoms of bloating, cramps and wind that are associated with it.

In some cases, you may need to seek the advice of a medical professional if you have traveller’s diarrhoea and:

• A high temperature

• Blood in your stools

• Are passing very watery stools or repeatedly vomiting

• The diarrhoea persists for more than five to seven days

• You have an underlining health condition or a weakened immune system

• You’re pregnant

• Are elderly

You should also seek medical attention if you have a child under the age of six months who is affected by traveller’s diarrhoea, especially if they’re showing signs of dehydration such as lethargy, passing little urine, and having a dry mouth, tongue, and lips.

How to treat traveller’s diarrhoea

In most cases, diarrhoea will clear up within a few days. However, the following tips and treatment options may help:

Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water is important when you have diarrhoea. Diarrhoea can cause your body to lose more fluids, which can increase your risk of dehydration – especially among older adults and children. However, when travelling abroad, it’s important to drink bottled water, rather than tap water. This is because traveller’s diarrhoea is often contracted through contaminated water.

Try a rehydration drink

Rehydration drinks, made from sachets, can also be effective treatment options for traveller’s diarrhoea1. Most sachets can be bought from your local pharmacy and packed in your suitcase when travelling abroad. Simply add the contents of the sachet to safe drinking water or bottled water.

Take antidiarrheal medication

Antidiarrheal medications, such as IMODIUM^® Original Capsules, can help to treat symptoms of traveller’s diarrhoea. They work in harmony with your body to restore your gut’s natural rhythm and retain water and essential nutrients. Please note, this product is only suitable for adults and children 12 years and over.

Additionally, IMODIUM^® Instants Tablets dissolve instantly on the tongue, making them a great option for when you’re on the go. Again, this product is only suitable for adults and children 12 years and over.

Be mindful of what you eat

Try to eat small, light meals if you can and avoid fatty, spicy, and heavy foods. Plain foods, such as bread and rice, are good options. When abroad, only eat meals that are freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked, and served piping hot. However, if you don’t feel like eating anything, make sure you’re still getting plenty of fluids.

How to prevent diarrhoea when travelling

Diarrhoea is often caused by infection. You can reduce your risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea by making sure you follow high standards of hygiene when abroad.,/p>

Here are some top tips on how to stay healthy when on your holiday:

Avoid drinking contaminated water

• Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.

• Use bottled water, rather than tap water to brush your teeth.

• Avoid drinks with ice cubes made from tap water (e.g., cocktails, iced coffees).

• If you’re going swimming, be careful not to swallow any water.

Don’t worry about bottled or canned drinks – they shouldn’t be a problem.

Avoid eating contaminated food

• Make sure your food has been cooked properly.

• Don’t leave food lying around on tables or sideboards.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating.

• Avoid raw foods washed in tap water (e.g., fruit & salad).

• Avoid uncooked meats and seafood.

• Avoid food from street vendors.

Don’t let traveller’s diarrhoea ruin your plans

Even the most cautious traveller can be caught out by traveller’s diarrhoea. But don’t let diarrhoea stop you from enjoying your plans. Reduce your risk of infection by maintaining high standards of hygiene and keep IMODIUM^® at hand so you can treat diarrhoea wherever you are.

Traveller’s diarrhoea FAQs

Why don’t locals get traveller’s diarrhoea?

Most tourists contract traveller’s diarrhoea through contaminated food or water. However, as residents of these countries grow up eating/drinking the food and water, they develop immunity to the organisms that usually make travellers sick.

How do you get rid of traveller’s diarrhoea naturally?

Traveller’s diarrhoea usually clears up within a few days without treatment. However, you can help manage your symptoms by drinking plenty of water and getting lots of rest. Drinking enough water is important as it can decrease your risk of dehydration.

How long does it take for traveller’s diarrhoea to show up?

Traveller’s diarrhoea symptoms typically appear within six to 24 hours after the virus has infected your body. That said, in some cases, it can take between one to three weeks for symptoms to appear. This may explain why people often develop diarrhoea and stomach problems after travelling.